History

Waterford Stillhouse is Racine County's first and only distillery since Prohibition. Behind the business is a family that has been active in the community since 2010, planting roots and engaging in local volunteer organizations and events. In March 2020 they obtained state and federal permits to distill and adapted to the demands of the time by producing and distributing hand sanitizer to support neighbors and businesses, while the 100-year-old historic building was being restored. In July 2021 they opened as Racine County's first and only distillery since Prohibition. Since then their artisanal spirits have gained recognition in international competitions, and the distillery has grown thanks to the family, friends, dedicated employees, and guests.

Production / Distilling

• Vodka: Premium vodka starts as 190-proof Grain Neutral Spirit distilled at least 5 times. Neutral Spirits are redistilled in a 26-gallon column and filtered through a 5-foot stainless steel column filled with freshly activated charcoal. The day is split into distillation (day 1), filtration (day 2) and bottling (day 3). Each batch yields about 40 bottles, and they are filled two at a time. This is part of why they call themselves a microdistillery. The spirit is enjoyed neat or on the rocks, and can be used in cocktails.
• Bourbon: The mash bill is distilled by the renowned 45th Parallel Distillery in New Richmond, WI. It ages in 15-gallon barrels made by a family-owned cooperage in Park Rapids, MN. The aging process is monitored and bottled when it reaches the desired flavor and quality. The typical age is 20–28 months. The bourbon is released one cask at a time, is non-chill-filtered and bottled at the optimal proof. Each barrel yields about 150 bottles of 375 ml, and they are available in limited editions. The spirit is enjoyed neat or on the rocks and can be used in cocktails.
• Light Whiskey: Distilled from a 100% corn mash bill to 179 proof at Eagle Park Distillery and aged in used bourbon barrels; bottled at 80 proof. Our Light Whiskey has won a gold medal, Best of Class and Best American Craft Whiskey from Craft Distillers Spirits Competition. Currently sold out, but more is on the way soon.
• New American Gin: A smooth and sophisticated gin, offering a combination of citrus and hibiscus to balance the characteristic juniper flavor.
• Lemon Vodka: Formulated with fresh lemon peels and without added sugar or artificial flavors.
• Barrel-Finished Vodka: Vodka that has rested in used bourbon barrels for over a year, imparting hints of caramel, oak, and smoke.
• General: All products are produced in small batches.

Products / Whisky Series

• Bourbon: American spirit with terroir in the Upper Midwest. The age typically ranges from 20 to 28 months, non-chill-filtered and bottled at the optimal proof. Each barrel yields around 150 bottles of 375 ml in limited editions. The spirit is enjoyed neat or in cocktails.
• Vodka: Premium vodka produced by a multi-distillation process, filtered through activated charcoal for purity and with a characteristic light sweetness from corn.
• Lemon Vodka: Lemon notes without addition of sugar or artificial flavors.
• Barrel-Finished Vodka: Vodka aged in used bourbon barrels for a touch of oak and warmth.
• New American Gin: Botanical profile that balances citrus and hibiscus with juniper.
• Light Whiskey: Distilled from 100% corn mash bill to 179 proof and aged in used bourbon barrels; bottled at 80 proof. (See above under Light Whiskey for full details.)

Visit / Experiences

• Tasting Room: Visit the Tasting Room, where handmade cocktails and small-batch spirits are sampled, or enjoy flights of the spirits produced on-site.
• Distillery Experiences: Tours are $20 and available Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:00 PM (or by appointment) and include a complimentary drink.
• Bottle Your Own Spirits: Arrangements for private events and functions as needed.
• Bourbon Society: The first and only Bourbon club in Waterford, WI. Annual membership is $150. Benefits include on-site Bourbon Nights (Wednesdays 5:00–9:00 PM) with buy-one-get-one-free cocktails, 15% off Waterford Stillhouse merchandise, and 10% off bourbon bottles. Members are invited quarterly to exclusive tastings and opportunities to explore rare and limited-edition bourbons, led by experts.
• Walking Club: Each summer the Walking Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 6:30–7:30 PM. T-shirt included, as well as $5 Vodka Lemonades on Strider nights. The club starts May 5, 2025; registration is closed for 2025.
• Spirited Book Club: Monthly meetings in the Tasting Room; available by joining the Facebook group.
• Elevate your Next Event: Opportunity for private events or corporate gatherings with Waterford Stillhouse products.

Philosophy

Waterford Stillhouse is rooted in small-batch and craft; they are committed to the local community and work closely with family and staff to deliver quality products. Their focus on terroir and a regional-distillery ethos is reflected in their products and hospitality in the Tasting Room and events.

Quality Note

• Craft and small-batch distilling as the fundamental approach across production.
• Local collaboration and support for the community are highlighted through experiences, events, and partnerships.